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Bob Dylan’s bandmate who backed him over career-defining performance dies

Barry Goldberg, Key Musician Behind Bob Dylan’s Iconic 1965 Newport Performance, Passes Away

Barry Goldberg, a pivotal figure in one of the most talked-about moments in music history, has passed away.

The late musician is perhaps best known for his role as part of the electric backing band that supported Bob Dylan during his groundbreaking 1965 performance at the Newport Folk Festival.

That particular show, where Dylan famously played an electric guitar with a full band, marked a major turning point in his career and shocked the folk music community.

Goldberg’s contribution to this controversial moment solidified him as an important part of the era’s musical evolution.

The 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance was a dramatic departure from Dylan’s folk roots.

Up until that point, he had been known for his acoustic guitar performances and politically charged lyrics, which resonated with the folk movement’s ideals.

However, when Dylan took to the stage with an electric guitar, accompanied by an amplified band, the audience’s reaction was mixed, with some expressing shock and even anger.

This moment is often cited as the point where Dylan began to transition from folk music to a more rock-oriented sound, a move that would eventually influence generations of artists.

Goldberg, who was an accomplished keyboardist, played a significant role in the band’s sound during this iconic performance. As part of the ensemble, he helped to shape the electric direction Dylan was taking, adding depth to the overall sonic shift.

The inclusion of Goldberg and his fellow musicians marked the beginning of a new era in music, one that blurred the lines between folk, rock, and even blues.

Dylan’s decision to “go electric” at Newport was met with a fair share of criticism, with some of his folk-loving fans accusing him of betraying the very genre that had made him a star. Despite the backlash, the performance is now viewed as one of the most influential in music history.

It pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in the music scene and opened the door for other artists to experiment with different genres and sounds.

Goldberg’s death is a reminder of the incredible legacy of musicians who were part of this transformative period in music history. While the 1965 Newport performance remains controversial in some circles, it was undeniably a defining moment for both Dylan and those who played alongside him, including Goldberg. His contributions to the music world will continue to resonate with fans and fellow musicians alike for years to come.

 

 

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